An Upper Control Arm is typically found in vehicles with a double-wishbone or A-arm suspension setup. It is a hinged, usually triangular-shaped arm that connects the vehicle's chassis to the wheel hub or steering knuckle. The upper control arm works in conjunction with the lower control arm, allowing the wheel to move vertically while maintaining proper alignment, stability and handling while the bushings and ball joints provide flexibility and help absorb some of the shock and vibration.
Upper Control Arms connect the wheel hub and steering knuckle to the vehicle's frame, enabling the wheels to move up and down while maintaining their position relative to the chassis. Here are some key features of upper control arms:
- Improved handling and stability: Upper control arms help maintain the proper alignment of the wheels, ensuring better handling and stability while driving. They contribute to a smoother, more comfortable ride and assist in maintaining consistent tire contact with the road surface.
- Adjustable camber and caster angles: Some aftermarket upper control arms offer adjustable camber and caster angles, which enable fine-tuning of the suspension geometry for better handling and performance. Which is especially useful with lifted vehicles with modified suspension.
- Tougher construction: Tube UCAs have a much higher strength than the typical rolled steel stock units and can hold up to the stresses and forces of more aggressive offroad driving.
- Bushings and ball joints: Most off-road UCAs feature a rubber bushing that reduces that annoying squeak, and hold up better than typical polyurathane OEM units and often use sealed ball joints that hold up better than uniball style.
- Longer travel: Often provide longer travel allowing for longer shocks and bigger tires.
By having an adjustable caster angle you can decrease your caster to a negative angle will result in tighter steering, but restricted wheel self-centering. A positive caster angle will improve stability at high speeds and improve cornering.
Once your vehicle has been lifted (or lowered), the suspension geometry is permanently changed from OEM specifications. UCAs with adjustable camber angle can get your tire's entire tread back on the ground forbetter traction, wear and stability.
Nitro Gear Extended Travel Ball Joint Style Upper Control Arms (NPUCA-TLC200)
The Nitro Gear Extended Travel Ball Joint Upper Control Arms are designed for 2008 and newer Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series, offering improved travel, correct caster, and noise-free performance. These 100% bolt-on, heavy-duty control arms feature a grease-able sealed ball joint for higher misalignment and longevity compared to uniball-type arms. The removable billet ball joint top cap and rubber bushings ensure lower maintenance, quieter operation, and reduced vibration. With a heavy-wall tubular design, these control arms provide more strength than OEM-stamped steel arms. Their lower profile allows for larger tire and shock clearance, and they offer 3 degrees of additional caster. Compatible with stock-height vehicles, these upper control arms are perfect for upgrading your Land Cruiser's suspension.
Tuff Country Upper Control Arms (50935)
Designed to enhance suspension travel and performance for lifted Toyota vehicles, specifically 2003-2022 4Runner, 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser, and 2005-2022 Tacoma models with 2-4 inches of front lift. These control arms restore proper geometry and alignment for improved driving and handling and include polyurethane bushings and zerk fittings for easy lubrication. Compatible with factory steering knuckles, the UCAs feature ball joints, a powder-coated finish, and are made in the USA. Tuff Country, a manufacturer with over 25 years of experience, offers a lifetime warranty on these high-quality suspension components.
Total Chaos Uniball Upper Control Arms (87500)
These Uniball Upper Control Arms are specifically engineered for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia vehicles, offering improved performance and increased durability. Handcrafted in the USA, these 4130 chromoly tubular control arms are 100% bolt-on and designed with added caster for optimal alignment when aftermarket lift kits are installed. The CNC machined tapered spindle adapters convert the factory ball joint to a 1" uniball for increased strength and maximum wheel travel. The included 1” I.D. heat-treated stainless steel uniballs feature a military-grade PTFE woven fabric liner for corrosion resistance and noise prevention. Custom profile upper & lower hi-misalignment spacers, made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, maximize wheel travel, while urethane bushings reduce deflection compared to stock rubber bushings. Zerk fittings facilitate easy lubrication of bushings and inner sleeves, and the 2-stage powder coat process ensures a durable finish. The product comes with a complete grade 8 hardware kit for easy installation.
Check out our selection of UCAs and get to driving!
